Henderson: It Would Be a Dream to Play for Ireland
Thursday, 7th Mar 2013 06:00

Stephen Henderson is a giant step closer to achieving his lifetime’s ambition and playing for the Republic of Ireland.

The 24-year-old Dubliner was recently recalled to Giovanni Trapattoni’s senior squad and would welcome further opportunities at the game’s very highest level.

He said: “It was brilliant. It was my third or fourth call-up and to be in and around the international scene is something I’ve always dreamed of.

“I know there is another one coming up but playing for Ipswich is more important right now so I’m not even thinking about Ireland at the moment.

“I’m playing games for Ipswich and that’s the only way I can keep showing what I can do. After that it’s up to the manager and whether or not he is going to select me.”

Henderson, who won eight caps at U21 level, has played himself back into contention for the Irish number one shirt, something that probably would not have happened had he elected to stay at parent club West Ham as cover for first choice Jussi Jaaskelainen.

He added: “It would mean the world to me to play for my country. Growing up in Ireland as a young lad I went to the games and while I know it’s the old cliché, if I did play for Ireland it really would be a dream come true.

“Hopefully it will happen one day but I’ve a few years left in me so there’s still plenty of time. Now that Shay Given has stepped down it’s a great chance for someone to establish themselves as number one.

“Shay is a hero of mine. I was lucky enough to be in a squad with him last season and to be honest I froze a bit because I was working alongside someone I’d looked up to for years.

“I am aiming to be number one — I’ve always been one to reach for the top — but I’m also realistic and I know there are people currently ahead of me.

“If I’m honest I don’t think I’m even number three at the minute. There’s David Forde, Keiren Westwood and Darren Randolph of Motherwell, and they are all great goalkeepers.

“It’s probably up for grabs but I’m not thinking about it too much because we’re in a relegation battle here and international football is just a bonus.

“If I’m in the next squad I’ll be professional and give it my full attention but I won’t allow it to get in the way of me doing my very best for Ipswich.”

Henderson took up his position at an early age, adding with a smile: “For as far back as I can remember I’ve always been a goalkeeper. I’m too slow to play anywhere else.”

The on-loan keeper will hope to be named in the Ireland squad for the back to back World Cup qualifiers against Sweden in Stockholm and Austrian in Dublin on March 22nd and 26th.

Photo: Action Images

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Juggsy added 11:05 - Mar 7 Sitting on the West Ham bench next season isn't going to improve his chances. Shame that players that chase the ££ instead of regular game time won't always enjoy career success.
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